Braedy Sommerville, a sophomore management major, is the owner of Braedy Sommerville Fitness Coaching. Driven by a passion for health and faith, Sommerville is creating a platform that blends physical fitness with personal encouragement, helping others grow stronger both inside and out. 

What is the story of your company? How did it start? 

Fitness has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, it always took a back seat to sports, but as I got older, I realized how much I enjoyed learning about the human body and how it responds to training. Over time, that interest became a passion. When my sports career came to an end, I began channeling all my energy into fitness—studying the ingenuity of the human body, nutrition and the most effective ways to help others reach their goals. 

Why did you want to join Samford Startup? 
Samford Startup provides the perfect launchpad to take a step towards creating a platform to help other individuals achieve their fitness goals.  

How has the Samford Startup program supported your business? 
Although I am just getting started, the program has already offered various opportunities for me to learn strategies, offer guidance and create an environment with familiar minded people who have similar goals.   

What has been the most challenging part of launching your business? How did you overcome this? 
The hardest part was taking the first step. Starting something new comes with a lot of uncertainty and fear, but I overcame that by remembering my “why” and focusing on the process it takes to build something meaningful.  

How has the Samford Startup program helped you grow professionally? 
Although I’m still early in the process, the program has already taught me valuable skills, especially how to present myself and my business with professionalism and confidence. 

What do you envision for your business? 
In the future, I imagine utilizing social media to branch my business outside of local boundaries and helping people reach their fitness goals from anywhere. 

How is your business redemptive in a Christ-like manner? 
Through mentorship, I hope to share my faith and use my personal story to connect with clients, encouraging them to grow both physically and spiritually. 

How do you see your company having an impact on the Samford and Birmingham communities? 
I hope that others with an entrepreneurial spirit will view my business as an example of taking a risk and trying something new.  

Why would you encourage other student entrepreneurs to join the program? 
Other student entrepreneurs should join this program because of the assistance it offers to your business, ranging from competition funding to personal mentorship from established entrepreneurs.